Kindness, Capers and Conundrums received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Aldyth Irvine-Harrison.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Kindness, Capers and Conundrums, April of 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
There are things real startling hot and cold in what we may perceive to be an empty hole
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
This book comprises a collection of poems that center around simple themes aimed at brightening our existence. We often encounter subtle messages of resolution through acts of kindness, transforming the weighty into playful exchanges, and alleviating our burdens through humor, affection, and benevolence, all without diminishing our humanity. Deeds function as nourishment for the soul, conveyed through thoughts and expressions. As readers, we come across fragments of our own identity within written words. The purpose of this book is to enable readers to uncover fragments of themselves within a selection of these poems.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
During my early years, I crafted tales, and later, as a high school teacher, I crafted brief snippets of poetry to clarify my concepts. I noticed that students enjoyed this, and I’ve always believed that when many people take pleasure in their pursuits, it enhances the excellence of one’s endeavors. I continuously nurtured questions about the material I generated – the methods, reasons, and choices for exhibition. I tried to envision other points of view. We should never fear 2 minds; it opens more lanes to understanding.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Someone should read the book simply to find elements of themselves within the chosen collection of poems.
When did you first decide to become an author?
It wasn’t an overnight decision. I wrote throughout my life but never really planned to be an author. This happened later on in life when a friend urged me to publish some of my written work.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, I’ve written ‘’Patches in & out two Centuries’ and ‘From a Strident World of Soft Prevailing Things.’
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a retired high school teacher. I do some volunteer work, travel, and play with my grandkids.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
It’s tough to say because I never know when I’ll get inspired. Ideas can come even when I’m asleep, prompting me to jump out of bed to jot them down.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
There’s nothing hard about being an Indie. It’s delightful as it seems to me that Indie readers are polished and intuitive.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Enjoy what you do because much will come out of it.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I’ve never entertained the idea.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’m motivated by the people I meet and ideas I get from them.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I’ve enjoyed a lot of poetry throughout the ages so it’s hard to pick favourites. Some that come to mind include: Lorna Goodison, Thomas Gray, Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, Geoffrey Chaucer & Alfred Tennyson. (I like the works themselves.)
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Among others ‘Pride and Prejudice.’